It was a performance which virtually sealed the Premier League title for Chelsea as the Blues passed their most difficult test with flying colours. Manchester City were beaten 2-1 at Stamford Bridge by a resolute Chelsea side who landed the first blow in the high-profile match courtesy Eden Hazard's shot which got deflected off Vincent Kompany's head and crept into the back of the net.
Also Read: EPL 2016/17: Chelsea 2-1 Manchester City, Player Ratings
Manchester City had a quick response to Chelsea's opener as Sergio Aguero cancelled their lead after a Thibaut Courtois error led to Aguero scoring a simple tap in. Pedro then secured a penalty for the champions-elect which was missed by Hazard but scored from the rebound.
We take a look at the five talking points from the top of the table clash between Chelsea and Manchester City:
#1 Chelsea ends the title race, once and for all
After a shocking loss at the hands of Crystal Palace, Chelsea's lead at the top was cut to seven points. Tottenham Hotspur were breathing down their neck which made the game against Manchester City a must win. The pressure would have been immense on the players and the manager as more dropped points would have blown the title race wide open.
With a resolute win over City, Chelsea proved that losing to the Eagles was not more than just a blip. They defended their lead well in the second half and played on the counter to see out the game.
Credit must be given to Antonio Conte who drilled it into his side to win the game at any cost, the team responding by showing the mentality required to be the champions. With their toughest test out of the way, it is now a question of "when" rather than "if" Chelsea will win the Premier League.
#2 Vincent Kompany finally returns
The Belgian defender, who has struggled with injuries in recent past, finally made his first start since November. Kompany was badly missed by the Citizens as Pep Guardiola lacked a leader in his back line. He was given a start in a match of immense importance against the Blues but his lack of match fitness clearly reflected on the field.
For the first goal, Kompany was at fault as he should have closed down Eden Hazard rather than hold his ground. The shot got deflected off him and went into the back of the net.
But this faltering Manchester City defence line needs even a half fit Kompany in the side, and he did show glimpses of his prowess last night. With 100% aerial duels success rate, three interceptions and five clearances, one thing that is certain is that despite making just three appearances under Pep Guardiola, Kompany is needed at the club for the long run.
#3 Eden Hazard steps up when it matters the most
With a brace against the Citizens, Eden Hazard became the top scorer against the top six sides in the league this season. Though he had scored just two goals since the beginning of the calendar year, Hazard has been instrumental in Chelsea's domination at the top of the pile.
This was a game which needed some brilliance from the big players to win it for their side. Up stepped Hazard as he tormented Jesus Navas on the left flank and scored two goals to nail the final coffin in Chelsea's run-in to the title.
Though he was not at his usual influential best, Hazard took his chances when it came and secured all three points. The Belgian now has seven goals to his name against the top six sides and 13 overall in the league. The Belgian will prove to be a tough competition to N’Golo Kante in the race for the Player of The Year accolade.
#4 The gamble to start Fabian Delph paid off
A first Premier League start of the season was given to Fabian Delph by Pep Guardiola in a high-profile clash against the Blues. After seeing the starting lineup, many eyes were raised over taking such a huge gamble by playing Delph in the centre of the park. But the 27-year-old answered his critics in fine fashion on the field.
Before the game, Delph had played just 38 minutes of football this season but his performance showed why City invested £8 million in him two years ago. He was given the job of closing down Chelsea's forwards which he did perfectly as he made the most tackles (6) and also made the most ball recoveries (11) in the match. He also made 103 passes against Chelsea, of which 96 were successful.
If Delph continues his good run in the last two months of the season, he may very well have a future at the club.
#5 No place for John Terry despite injury concerns
Terry has not made a league start for Chelsea since November and many expected him to be in contention to start against Manchester City as Victor Moses was ruled out of the match with an injury. But Conte thought otherwise as Kurt Zouma played as the third centre back and Cesar Azpilicueta was employed in a wing back role.
It was a clear sign that Terry has fallen way down the pecking order and must leave his beloved team if he wants to extend his playing career. Unless one of Chelsea's defenders are injured, the former England captain will find it tough to get another start for the Blues in what may be his final season with the club.
He may stay at the club if he retires and take up a coaching role in the academy.
